Openwheel drivers to NASCAR

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Muggle Not, Brian France has committed the most basic administration sin"If it is not broken, do not fix it". He has undertaken too many changes for a basically fairly conservative fan base. "The Overseas races and foreign drivers" are going to be a bit much for those carpenters working on that house. Throw in bizarre rules changes ;COT and you have a recipe for a lack of interest in NASCAR.

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Nail hit squarely on the head.

Just as a side note. as a oversea's, non-american NASCAR fan i dont want races to be held here or anywhere outside the US. an exhibitions race or 2 would be good but NASCAR is an all american motorsport, its part of its charm.

Formula One veteran David Coulthard is open to the thought of a future move to NASCAR, but not until his F1 days are solidly over. "I would consider something like NASCAR," Coulthard said just before practice for the Race of Champions. "I don't think I would consider IRL. The only thing is, America, you have to commit to it absolutely. Which means you move out there, take your family there. But I'd certainly consider it. This will be my 15th season in Formula One. After that ... I'll do this as long as I'm having fun, as long as they keep saying 'Would you like to continue?'" Coulthard said NASCAR's lengthy 38-week schedule is of no concern to him. He said he has in the past raced every week but Christmas weekend, "and that wasn't a problem. It's not hard to get in private planes." He also feels the influx of foreign driving talent, like his former F1 mates Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villaneuve, into NASCAR bolsters the perception of stock car racing internationally

jayski.com

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Originally Posted by RaikkonenRules

not until his F1 days are solidly over

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That was sometime ago...was it not?

All the same, would be great to see him here in the States....in any series. Always liked DC. Why NASCAR though? Certainly a "different" challenge, but why not ALMS or Grand Am? Would seem a better fit. But then, could say that about any former F1 driver.

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Originally Posted by Ichibrothers

That was sometime ago...was it not?

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The article said it was "just before practice for the Race of Champions". The Race of Champions was just this past weekend (12/15-12/16).

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Originally Posted by Ichibrothers

All the same, would be great to see him here in the States....in any series. Always liked DC. Why NASCAR though? Certainly a "different" challenge, but why not ALMS or Grand Am? Would seem a better fit. But then, could say that about any former F1 driver.

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NASCAR is big league and pays big bucks. I don't think ALMS and Grand Am can make that claim. JV and JPM have also chosen NASCAR over other racing series.

like DC really needs more money :rolleyes:

all these F1 drivers don't need more money, I really wish they would go to Prototype racing, because it would suit them more than being a moving chicane in Nascar

DC knows the 2008 season is a tipping point in his career, he has to show some real brilliance to maintain a seat in F1.

So with that being said and most F1 fans knowing DC is past his winning days in F1, he might as well throw his interest in NASCAR out there to hopefully create some buzz and maybe get an offer.

It makes sense, hes on his way out and is just trying to line something else up, smart of him, though I think the NASCAR community is smart enough not to be interested.

What do you guys really think of the open wheel guys coming into Nascar? It can only be good for the series really cant it?Being British I gotta say I hope Dario does well although I still want Jr to win championship!

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Originally Posted by truckmonster

What do you guys really think of the open wheel guys coming into Nascar? It can only be good for the series really cant it?Being British I gotta say I hope Dario does well although I still want Jr to win championship!

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What do you consider is "doing well":
Finishing in the top 10 in points
Finsihing in the top 15 in points
Finishing in the top 20 in points

Experienced world class drivers and former Champions that come into Nascar and finish out of the top 20 or 25 have not done very well IMO. I may have to re-think that but it is my first thought.

I think top 15 really would be realistic, although it would be a great achievement for him!

Dario will have a guaranteed spot for the first five races so that should help. Staying in the top 35 after race 5 will be the challenge. He hasn't raced in any Cup series races which doesn't bode well for his chances in my opinion. Racing in one ARCA series race is meaningless in this regard. When you also consider that his team has never been terribly competitive I'd say he has a very tough row to hoe.